Opportunities of Tourism Development in Small Towns of the Border Region of the Northern Great Plain

Abstract

Because of their prominent local role, small towns can become leading players in local development in the near future. The main question of my research is the role of small towns in the border region of the Northern Great Plain (namely Fehérgyarmat, Kisvárda, Vásárosnamény and Záhony) in the rural development of the region, including the process of tourism development. As a first step, I analysed the Integrated Urban Development Plan of the towns. In addition, I took a closer look at the demographic data of the selected cities, and finally, I took stock of the current tourism characteristics of the region under study. Finally, on the basis of the data collected, I analysed the tendering activities of the four small towns between 2004 and 2022, with a particular focus on the opportunities for tourism development. As a result of the study, I have identified areas for action which, if implemented in the future, could provide solutions to the negative trends in the region. These include the strengthening of the service sector, diversification of the urban economy, better communication of natural and built heritage values, increasing the number and quality of catering and accommodation facilities, local and interurban transport and improving the road network.